March 18, (THEWILL) — The Labour Party (LP) has fixed May 23, 2026, for its presidential primary as it formally sets the stage for the 2027 general elections, while simultaneously moving to rein in internal dissent with a raft of disciplinary measures.
The decision was contained in a communiqué issued after a meeting of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) held in Abuja on Tuesday and monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to the communiqué released on Wednesday, the party will submit its membership register to INEC on April 15, 2026, ahead of the primaries. It also scheduled for May 15, 2026, for the conduct of governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly primaries.
In a broader rollout of its electoral calendar, the NEC ratified the timetable for ward, local government, and state congresses fixed for March 26, 28, and 31, respectively, as well as the party’s national convention slated for April 11, 2026.
The council expressed satisfaction with the actions of the party’s national leadership under Senators Nenadi Usman and Darlington Nwochocha, endorsing steps taken to stabilise internal structures ahead of the electoral cycle.
However, the meeting was also dominated by concerns over rising internal tensions, including the recent invasion of the party’s national secretariat by hoodlums allegedly sponsored by “certain rogue elements.”
Following a review of the report of the Peace, Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committee chaired by Comrade Salisu Mohammed, the NEC invoked its disciplinary powers and approved the suspension of several members over alleged acts of indiscipline, anti-party activities, and complicity in the incident.
Those suspended include Eneyi G. Zidougha, Hilda Doukubo, Lincolin Charles, Muhammed Sabitu Aliyu, Ogar Osim, Vincent Okwuokei, Casmir Agbo Uchenna, Simon Zubairu Bamga, Abduljamid Sa’ad Suleiman, and Emmanuel Agida.
Others are, Auwala Ahmed, Ularama Jubrila, Grace Zafara Posat, Suleiman Abdurahman Abdul, Ajibade Adekunle Samson, Alexander Emmanuel Ombugu, Elizabeth Ativie, Godwin Jioke, Airen Igbinedion, Osas Frank, Kennedy Ahanotu, Ayidele Olurunfemi, B. Arabanbi, Umar Faruk Ibrahim, Auwal Tafoki, and Obiora Ifo.
The NEC also approved the continued expansion of the party’s membership register through a hybrid system combining digital registration with manual enrolment in rural communities, a move it said aligns with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and is aimed at boosting transparency, participation, and administrative efficiency.
To address structural gaps, the council resolved that all existing vacancies within party organs would be filled through interim appointments to ensure continuity, pending the conduct of substantive congresses.
“The National Leadership has been duly empowered to make such appointments, which will remain in an acting capacity pending the conduct of substantive congresses in accordance with the Party Constitution and approved timetable,” the communiqué stated.
Amid the unfolding developments, the NEC urged aggrieved members to channel grievances through the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms, stressing that unity would be critical as the party navigates the build-up to the 2027 elections.
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